Sleep is one of the most important elements of our day: our sleep quality tends to influence every aspect of our health, our daily life, our work and even our interpersonal relationships. Precisely for these reasons, it is essential to give the right weight to the rest we get each night, and to choose the most appropriate textile to make our sleep as comfortable as possible. In particular, it is essential to choose the most appropriate raw material: among the different options, hemp is certainly not to be missed, a fabric that our ancestors already appreciated and that proves to be optimal for the creation of sheets and bedding that are durable, comfortable and above all breathable.
The history of bed sheets: origins and mysteries to discover
The shroud is a very ancient object. In fact, the earliest evidence that has come down to us dates back to Ancient Egyptian times. Until that time, most of the population slept lying on the ground or on light mats, but the Pharaohs, who were considered gods compared to the little people, had to distinguish themselves in some way. For this reason, the beds of the Pharaohs were elevated, taking the form of canopies or what we would nowadays call beds. Bedclothes were mainly made of linen, as a material widely used in Egypt at the time, and were a symbol of lightness, purity, but also great prosperity. [1]
Nevertheless, the earliest records of the use of the word 'sheet' in and of itself date back to around the Middle Ages, referring to long pieces of cloth of different types, such as linen, cotton and silk, that are used to cover the bed or one's body, during the night's rest. In particular, it is used during the coldest periods of the year, in order to be protected from the weather and stay warm, even while sleeping. Of course, we can see that the bed sheet is a very flexible element, which can vary in workmanship, thickness, shape and material, not only over the years, but also according to cultural and territorial differences. For example, we can see that there are huge differences between one country and another, in terms of whether or not superior or inferior sheets are used, or in the workmanship and quality of the sheet itself, all depending on social and cultural factors, which influence the population and the way they rest. [2]
Sleeping peacefully between hemp sheets
Bed sheets, as well as any type of bedding, have become an essential part of our day, or rather, our evening; therefore, choosing a natural fabric is extremely important. This is why so many people, in recent years, are trying not to settle for the most common products or sheets, but are looking for a good quality item and above all one made of natural fibres, so that they do not have to question the quality of their sleep. Consequently, there is a shift towards the choice of natural and sustainable fabrics, including technical ones, that can bring as many benefits as possible during the night's rest.
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In particular, thanks also to the increasingly impactful growth of the eco-sustainable revolution, the preference of raw materials, even for bed sheets, is shifting towards more ecological materials, but the best in this regard is only one: hemp. In fact, bed sheets made from hemp textiles are becoming increasingly common and in demand, for numerous reasons, and so many companies, even traditional ones, are introducing hemp fabric into their nightwear collection.
Of course, bed sheets made from textile hemp are not a completely innovative item, as there are numerous testimonies, including historical ones, of the use of textile hemp for the creation of bed sheets. Indeed, hemp is a very useful and durable fabric, but at the same time extremely environmentally friendly and, for this very reason, an excellent option for bedding. Furthermore, textile hemp can be cultivated and processed, following much more ecological processes, than other textiles, as it requires minimal use of water, soil and nutrients, not to mention its natural anti-parasitic properties, which eliminates the use of any chemicals.
A further aspect, perhaps the most important one when talking about hemp fabric sheets, is its breathable property. Indeed, sleeping on hemp sheets will not make us sweat, even on the hottest summer nights.
Textile hemp has a very soft feel, despite the fibre being very strong. Its natural fibres create an effect very similar to a micro-massage on the skin, which helps blood circulation, but at the same time, as it is also a thermo-regulating textile, it also helps maintain an ideal temperature in both winter and summer. But its benefits do not end there.
The benefits of hemp sheets
Hemp bed sheets are a choice that is recently becoming more and more common among end consumers, and there are several reasons behind this choice: personal well-being, hygiene and practicality, but also the knowledge that hemp fabric is an environmentally sustainable fabric. Here are some reasons why it may be more beneficial to use hemp textile bedding and bedding than other fabrics:
They last longer
It is no secret that hemp is a very durable fabric, thanks to the hardness of its natural fibres. Despite the higher cost compared to classic sheets, buying hemp sheets will be a good investment, as they will not spoil easily and you will be able to use them for many years without having to give up quality and functional sheets.
Softness? Guaranteed
Very often, when people talk about hemp, they tend to define it as an uncomfortable and very rough fabric. Well, nothing could be more wrong. While at first use, hemp textile may seem rougher than other fabrics, in reality, after a few washes and especially when used over time, it becomes extremely soft to the touch, providing an unparalleled soft rest.
Hygiene and much more
Hemp sheets can offer innumerable merits to be exploited, this is true, but there is one particular characteristic that makes them an irreplaceable element in every home: they are extremely hygienic. Indeed, hemp sativa fabric is known to be extremely resistant to all kinds of pathogens, such as mould, bacteria and more. In addition, hemp is also extremely hypoallergenic, which is why it cannot irritate the skin during sleep (even prolonged sleep ☺️).
Hemp against bad odours
Textile hemp sheets can be very useful to use on a daily basis, in particular because of one very unique characteristic, namely that they are extremely breathable. Hemp, in fact, allows any kind of sweat or odour to transpire, without for this reason remaining 'stuck' to the sheet and being able to disturb our sleep. In this way, the sheets can be used for longer, without having to fear stains, dirt or any bad smells.
Easy to wash and handle
Bed sheets and bedding can often be quite a headache to handle, especially because of their size. In addition, they need to be treated with the right products, as they are in contact with our skin every night. Hemp can be the solution to this problem, as it can make the process much easier for us! In fact, hemp is a hard-wearing fabric that is less likely to get dirty than others and for this reason, is much easier to wash and handle on a daily basis. For example, hemp textile products do not need aggressive detergents, high temperatures or other tricks. In fact, washing them at low temperatures and with little detergent also helps us consume less energy and protect our environment. Finally, the frequent washing necessary with sheets made of other fabrics can be omitted with hemp fabric, as these can be aired out and thus regenerated with air.
Textile hemp sheets, as you can see, can prove to be an excellent ally for your night's sleep. Thanks to the benefits of textile hemp, you can rest and spend safe nights in complete comfort.
Some leading companies in textile hemp sheets
Hemp Copenhagen
'Buy for life, not for the season' - with this slogan, Hemp Copenhangen offers luxurious, durable and above all sustainable home textiles made of 100% hemp, defining luxury not as something related to price but as something related to the durability of a good. In fact, hemp fabric lasts at least 3 times longer than cotton fabric; it is naturally antibacterial unlike cotton. Luxury today is also having a clean conscience about our purchase.
Parini House
'Looking back to look forward' could be a good slogan to describe Casa Parini, the Piedmontese start-up that creates 100% hemp bed sheets. In fact, the founder's grandfather had a tailor's shop right where hemp textile sheets are now handmade in a social tailor's shop.
Purocotton
This company was founded with the aim of making high-quality products made to customers' needs accessible to a wide audience. Purocotone specialises in the production of 100% hemp textile sheets and pillowcases.
Devohome
Devohome is a Ukraine-based company, producer of hemp textiles (from plant to fabric) and specialised in bedroom and bathroom furnishings. In fact, Devohome offers hemp towels, mattress covers and duvets (in different versions, both all-season and lighter versions), pillows, hemp sheets and other accessories mainly for home management.
References and insights:
[1] Treccani, Italian Encyclopaedia
[2] https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenzuolo
Photo:
[F1] Charlotte May on Pexels
Translated with Linguana